Mind Mapping

Just look at the words: a map….of your mind.  Awesome!

Mindmapping is a tool to get your ideas out, organize your thinking and get visual with your thoughts.  Wikipedia has an excellent page about this technique so I encourage you to enjoy a much broader explanation here.

Why Map?

Maps help me to capture a lot of ideas quickly.  When I am designing a workshop or client engagement I always begin with a mindmap.  The process tends to expand my thinking in a way that simple listing does not.

MindMap Formats

I tend not to get fancy on my own maps.  I keep them in my journal and add to them as thoughts occur.   However, I do occasionally use mindmapping software.  There are two I like:

Inspiration. This company has been around for years and they keep improving the software.  They are based in Oregon so I can support the local economy.  My favorite feature is the toggle between the mindmap graphic format to the Outline format.  Very efficient.

FreeMind.  The best thing about FreeMind is that is actually is free.  Yup.  Open source and free.  I have less experience with it but I am playing with it now because it has some sophisticated features such as ‘folding’ and easy linking.  I’m planning on running a FreeMind Map for my 2010 Business Plan.

If mindmapping intrigues you I encourage you to explore the tool.  There are MANY resources online.  The learning curve on new software is probably worth it for more complex tracking.  And good old-fashioned paper is instant and satisfying–especially if you use colored markers!